Zeke Campbell

Zeke Campbell was having a stress dream. Of course, he didn't know he was having a stress dream. That's often the case with stress dreams, or all dreams for that matter. Zeke Campbell was oblivious to the reality of his situation.

Sitting in Calculus, Zeke was having a difficult time focusing on what the teacher was trying to convey. He had been in class all year, and was sure that he knew how to do calculus, but as he listened to his teacher, a feeling of dread washed over him. He didn't understand a word she was saying.

Then the worst thing happened.

"Zeke Campbell," the tall woman whose name Zeke couldn't remember no matter how hard he tried, "You haven't heard a word I've been saying, have you?"

"Yes ma'am," Zeke squeaked, "I promise I've been paying attention!"

"Then come up to the blackboard and solve the problem," she said with a smirk, holding a piece of chalk out to him.

Zeke stood up slowly, aware that every eye in the room was on him. Panic rose in his throat as he walked forward and took the chalk from his teacher's hand. He turned to look at his classmates. Maybe it was the adrenaline that he was sure was pounding through his body, the pressure in his head, or just the panic, but he couldn't focus on the other students. While he was sure that they were all staring at him, he couldn't quite see them, as if he was seeing them through a blurry glass. All but one. John Doe, that kid from Gym class, was sitting in the back row with a curious expression on his face.

AHEM

His teacher cleared her voice right next to him, reminding Zeke of his task. Turning to the blackboard, he stared at seemingly meaningless symbols and characters.

"I, uh, I don't understand."

"What do you mean you don't understand?" the teacher laughed, "What, are you stupid?"

"I swear I study! I work hard!" he pleaded, "This is gibberish!"

That's when the laughter began. Zeke turned toward the class and felt the ridicule wash over him like waves of rejection. He was stupid. He was failing.

Then he looked down.

He was naked!

That's when, from the corner of his eye, Zeke noticed John Doe stand up from his seat.